The Republican Party's Identity Crisis

Sen. John McCain and vice presidential running-mate Gov. Sarah Palin at the 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn. (John Gress/Reuters)

By Dan Balz
In the final weeks of Campaign 2008, the Republican Party is in the midst of an identity crisis, but it is nothing compared to what could happen if John McCain ends up losing the presidential race to Barack Obama and the party suffers another shellacking in House and Senate races.

Nothing is certain, but most indicators now point to a bad election day for the Republicans. Republicans could lose 20 or more seats in the House and half a dozen or more in the Senate. That would come on top of major losses two years ago.

McCain trails Obama in the polls nationally -- although by margins sometimes so wildly different as to cause everyone to question how they're being calculated. He is also on the defensive in enough battleground states that he will have to have the luck of the gambler that he is to win.

McCain advisers see some tightening in the polls nationally and in some states. But recall that a few weeks ago, as Obama was increasing his lead, their argument was that private polls showed the race much tighter, particularly in some of the states.

Obama said recently he expected the race to tighten toward the end, perhaps out of the need to keep his troops energized or out of a legitimate fear that there is no way for a party that hasn't won more than 50.1 percent in presidential election since 1964 to win with the margins that many polls have shown.

But underneath all the conflicting polls is the reality that the Republican Party is experiencing some of its hardest times since Ronald Reagan brought them to the White House in 1980. The country is under stress and unhappy, and the Republican coalition is splintering.

At its height, the GOP coalition brought together economic, social and national security conservatives. At different times, the glue that held these disparate conservatives together was anti-communist or anti-government sentiments or, more recently, the commitment to waging war against terrorism.

The bedrock elements of the coalition were a belief in smaller government, low taxes and a strong defense. But the party's greatest success came with the arrival, in the 1980s and 1990s, of a newly active cadre of social conservatives who promoted a values agenda and provided ground troops that helped the party win turnout battles in close elections.

Today, all three pieces of the coalition are under strain. Under President Bush, economic conservatives first witnessed the most significant rise in federal spending since the Great Society and, in the past month, government intervention in the private sector on a scale unprecedented since the Great Depression.

The decision to spend $700 billion to bail out shaky financial institutions, in part by partial nationalization of some of the nation's biggest banks, turned conservative economics on its head. Many Republicans went along out of a sense that desperate times call for desperate measures, but the actions shattered the economic consensus that has guided the party and has left many conservatives deeply disillusioned.

Social conservatives have seen their influence diminish. War and recession have tamped down the significance of issues like abortion or gay marriage for many voters. That means those issues have far less political potency, diminishing the voice of social conservatives within the broader electorate.

Beyond that, Bush's courtship of the social conservatives during his first term caused a backlash among other parts of the coalition, who felt a need to rebalance the scales within the party. The major break came when Congress intervened in the Terri Schiavo case, a decision that was widely rejected by the general public.

The selection of Sarah Palin as McCain's vice presidential running mate provided a shot of enthusiasm to social conservatives -- exactly what McCain needed at the time -- but her declining numbers among the wider electorate has generated a backlash within the party over the wisdom of choosing her. If McCain loses, Palin could become a symbol of the divisions within the GOP's coalition.

The split between the party's neocons and so-called foreign policy realists has been raging for several years over the prosecution and management of the war in Iraq and Bush's overall foreign policy agenda. That's an argument likely to continue into the future, whether McCain is elected or not.

But what is more astonishing is what happened on Sunday and Monday, when representatives of both sides of that debate -- Colin Powell, representing the realists and Kenneth Adelman, a leading neocon -- both announced they would be voting for Obama.

That both could end up breaking with their party, abandoning McCain and siding with the less experienced Obama, shows not only that national security issues count for far less in this election than they did four years ago, but also that the Republicans may lack a foreign policy consensus that can help bind their coalition as anticommunism and antiterrorism have.

Some Republicans point to the British Conservative Party, which has undergone an image transformation over the past few years, as a model for what might be needed to modernize a conservative coalition that has appeared outdated and out of fresh ideas.

There may be valuable lessons in what party leader David Cameron has accomplished, but there is a major difference between British and American conservative politics. In Britain, social conservatives play only a minimal role in the coalition. What the Tories have done is an imperfect guide for conservatives here.

It may be easy to overstate the condition of the Republican Party. After the 1992 election, there was widespread despair within the GOP. Some analysts suggested there would be a long period in the wilderness for the party. Two years later, Republicans had captured control of Congress -- the House for the first time in 40 years -- and Clinton was forced to assert he was still relevant.

Already there are stirrings of the debate that may come if things go badly in two weeks. At the Republican convention in St. Paul last month, the tryouts for 2012 were plainly evident, with Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney positioning themselves for possible runs. They will be joined quickly by others if McCain loses.

There could be upheaval in the congressional leadership, particularly if losses are heavy. A new generation of conservatives will assert themselves, but the question is whether they have an agenda for a broader electorate or a strategy that ultimately would shrink the appeal of the party.

Republican governors have long anticipated that this could be a bad year and are prepared to step into any vacuum created by the results on Nov. 4. They know how to win statewide and will try to focus the party on policies and messages designed to reach a broad audience. Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, who helped lead the party back after 1992, is likely to play a lead role there.

So much now depends on events. McCain will fight this election to the end, as he has always done. His path is difficult but he still has two weeks left to try to change the trajectory of the race. Unexpected things can happen. But the party's future, even if McCain wins, will be different than it has been the last decade.

I am a lifelong Republican who has watched his party loose it's direction! All my life I have felt confident in voting Republican because I could count on the Republicans to throttle those wild spending Democrats. For the last eight years I have watched my Republicans spend on a war that provides zero security for North America. Before the war I never spent a sleepless night worrying that Saddam Hussein was going to send a squadron of Camels with Scud missles on their backs onto the beaches of America to attack us! Weapons of mass deception! So what do we Republicans want our government to do? Flush our treasury into pointless wasteful wars and foreign aid or do we switch and vote Democratic and watch the Democrats spread the national treasure over Americans? What amazes me is that my party still doesn't get it...they will understand on November 5, 2008 when the American people send them into the wilderness for at least two years. I say two years because I think that is all it will take for the Democrats, drunk with power, to be thrown out because of their unlimited spending.

There are a lot of lefties commenting on here that seem to think that the Obama lead is due to a shift in the electorate's thinking regarding the issues. This is simply untrue. The primary reasons Obama is succeeding are: (1) Axelrod is running an extremely skillful campaign backed by buku bucks, (2) Obama is apparently mobilizing the black vote, (3) the McCain campaign has been pathetic in contesting the election, and (4) there is rampant hatred for the GOP among nonpartisan voters in light of apparent political failure of the Iraq war and the party's failure to exercise fiscal discipline in power.

As recently as August 2007, tripartisan polls commissioned by American Solutions indicated the following:

73%/61%/54% of GOP/Ind/Dem opine there is too little religion and morality in public schools.

68%/54%/59% feel public officials use too little religion and morality in exercising their offices.

61%/55%/49% feel eliminating crosses or references to God on public property discriminates against religious people.

76%/55%/64% believe America's problems stem more from lack of religion and morality than from other issues.

73%/65%/51% think nuclear power is clean, affordable, and efficient, and these benefits outweigh its risks.

These data hardly suggest that the US is today a liberal nation - unless huge numbers of citizens have radically shifted views in the past 14 months! On the contrary, they point to the idea that the US is a center-right nation.

Let's be frank... The republican party has been USING the undereducated and fearful since Nixon invested his "southern strategy" to instill fear in the uneducated.

The rest of the republican party went along with it because they want to win...but the educated don't believe the spin.

Then came NEO-CONS - educated people willing to parrot talking points like "supply side economics", look the other way at the glaring fundamental economic holes in the philosophy, and nod at fundamentalist christian ideology.

Now the educated republicans are looking at what the NEO-CON revolution has brought...total failure. Economic distruction. Political rejection by the electorate.

Hopefully this will split the party into wing-nut fundamentalist uneducated tilting at windmills on one side... and moderate Republicans reclaiming the party on the other.

toritto posted on Oct. 21, 2008 1:41 PM
“Best thing that could happen to the GOP (though they won't admint if) is a crushing defeat.
Losing big would allow the party to rebuild into the fiscally conservative socially moderate party it once was - without the undue influence of "end timers" and neo-fascists.”

Unfortunately Dan Balz’s is suggesting “Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, who helped lead the party back after 1992, is likely to play a lead role..”

So that signals more divisive politics!!!

More Gingrich, Norquist, Delay pandering to single issue voters!!

More anti-education politics!!!

More anti-infrastructure politics!!!!!

More anti-foreign policy politics!!!!

More deficits do not matter as long as the rich receive tax cuts politics!!!

KMichaels, you speak as you know all. I know truth and fact and faith are all the same thing to social conservatives, but it is for that reason that I happen to agree with a lot of what rodgen71 is trying to get at. I agree with the Republican Party's stance on many issues from gun control to national security (NOT the Iraq war) to smaller government and fiscal conservatism. But I am not going to have a major change in lifestyle no matter who wins the presidency, and I'm only 4 years out of college so I'm not rich or anything. But I struggle to vote for a party that is beholden to the Christian theocrats (or Muslim, Jew, Hindu, etc.), who hold their faith over fact and science. I know their numbers may be small, but right now, that is where my conscience is. This conviction is especially true in state elections, where the Virginia GOP is still beholden to the idea that they need to mover further to the right on social issues and other issues rather than finding realistic approaches to our transportation crisis. For president, I want Obama to pick the next Supreme Court justices because I don't want two more social conservatives to take the place of the aging liberals who will probably not make it through another term.

rodgen71 writes: "If the GOP would return to the center, it would attract more voters."

You are assuming a couple of things here that are very difficult to overcome.

1) Obama is a known socialist.
2) Obama was on the official membership rolls of self-declared SOCIALIST party NEW PARTY from Chicago.
3) Obama was listed as the official candidate of the DSA, Democratic Socialists of America.
4) Obama is listed as the most leftist voter of all US politicians.
5) Yet, according to MSM, such as the Obama lapdoggers at WaPo, they prop up Obama as centrist.
6) All the things that you listed as a fault with Republicans has been overblown and misrepresented by the MSM.
7) All those negatives that you claim done by Republicans are done tenfold more often by Democrats.

I always have to wonder about claims, such as yours and even from Powell (loves Obama but not because of race, he he he). Powell, claiming to be republican complained that he did not want more conservative judges being selected. So apparently you and Powell, claiming to be centrist, will be voting for the most far far left, registered Socialist instead.

In conclusion, evidence illustrates that neither you nor Powell nor any of the idiot Obamabots are looking for a centrist.

Obama's other grandmother is still rotting in absolute poverty living off of 1$ per month. Michelles last dress could buy his black granny 20 years worth of her current living. Michelles last meal could pay for 3 years of Obama's black granny in Kenya.

Obama's black brother in Kenya is also living in a different shack also living off of about 1$ per month.

Ah, the kindhearted nature of Obama is just stunning.

I kind of figured though that when the real Messiah showed up that he would be a bit more kind and a bit less of a self-promoting blowhard that Obama proves to be.

Jesus, near death, was thinking of his mother, and asked one of his followers to please take care of his mother as though she were his own mother. Jesus motioning his mother to the follower stated, Mother, behold thy son. Then motioning to his follower, he stated, Behold thy mother. Jesus, even near death thought of others first.

Obama, behold thy grandmother, living in absolute poverty. Ah, I dont have the time, I have some personal glory to obtain to.

Obama, behold thy brother, living off of just a few dollars. Ah, I would like to. Maybe I could raise the taxes to help pay for him when I get around to it.

Records show that McCain gave 1800 percent more to charity than did Obama from his own personal funds.

If the GOP would return to the center, it would attract more voters. Go back to smaller government, no nation-building, libretarian ideals, and work to compromise on issues. The Eisenhower and Ford Republicans allowed the Kool-Aid drinkers to run roughshod for the last 25 years. Go back to your principles, and you will start to win elections.

1950democrat -- better contraceptives? Condoms work really well, and protect against STD's at the same time. Yet a drugstore just opened in VA that refuses to sell contraceptives. You are crazy, Palin is exactly what she seems to be: a small town mayor who charmed her way into the governorship of a small state and is way out of her league there, let alone on the national scene. Her attempts to run a small state the way she ran a small town have landed her in some hot water, and there's a non-zero chance she'll be impeached before her term is up. Chances are good if not impeached she won't be re-elected. Looked at objectively, her ethical problems are WORSE than the Repubs she "reformed".

And the national Republican Party is NOT having an identity crisis. They are also exactly what they seem to be: a party in the grasp of the neocon/theocon alliance. They've paid lip service to the fiscal conservatives, who cannot believe that their precious supply-side religion has failed to produce results. I say religion because it's now a matter of faith with them, rather than a theory: theories can be proven wrong.

The moderates are left without any influence at all on the national party. Foreign policy pragmatists, like Powell, have given way to paranoid ideologues like Bolton and Wolfowitz. Small government champions have been abandoned for the Gingrich social safety net for the obscenely rich. People who believe that rational opponents can disagree as well as be reasoned with, have been overcome by Manichean wingnuts.

The Bush I administration was the last gasp of rational Republicanism. They're all dead now, literally or figuratively. The evangelicals have the party by the balls and will never let go.

A third party is in the offing: within 10 years the right will splinter: Perhaps the Libertarians will become the new Conservative Party?

A frequent Corsi tactic is to point to some link between Obama and various unsavory persons and to imply that Obama somehow shares in their unsavoriness. He devotes an entire chapter to violent uprisings in Kenya following a disputed presidential election in 2007. The link to Obama? During a visit to Kenya in 2006, Obama and his wife, Michelle, arranged to take an AIDS test to publicly demonstrate the test's safety. While there, Obama spoke to the assembled crowd. Raila Odinga, one of the two candidates running for president, was on the stage when Obama spoke. Corsi concludes that the event constituted an endorsement of Odinga. He goes on to attribute all the violence in Kenya to an elaborate Odinga plot.

Corsi, however, offers no evidence that Obama actually did endorse Odinga. In fact, MSNBC reported that during that same trip, Obama also met with Mwai Kibaki, who was Odinga's opponent in that election, as well as with opposition leader Uhuru Kenyatta. And Human Rights Watch reported that both Odinga and Kibaki (or their supporters, anyway) had a hand in the violence that followed the election."

If you want to know where the republican party is heading then you need to see who they will be electing as their minority leaders after they lose the House and Senate. After this large GOP election loss, the heads of the leadership will definitely roll, Palin's being first as she will either be impeached or not reelected as govenor. McCain will sink back into the background of the Senate where he came from. Those with new ideas and a thirst for leadership will come forward and replace the current GOP leadership. But these new leaders know that the neocon and evangelical agendas put them where they are today. They will move the party back to its original position of small government, fiscal responsibility and world leadership. It will be the Nixonians who will set aside the Reagan/Bush politics and go back to the Nixon/Eisenhower politics. History will repeat itself.

The question The Fix needs to focus on is who will emerge as leaders in the GOP after it is purged of every Bush/McCain influence that is currently leading it to a big loss in 2 weeks. You only mentioned Haley Barbour, but he is part of the current GOP problem. I'd look for new faces, those who have not liked the Bush agenda and Rovian politics and have been waiting for their time to come.

This election will wipe out the current republican leadership like the asteroid that killed off the dinosaurs, and the small meek fiscally responsible Nixonian republicans hiding in their holes will emerge to reclaim the party after 30 years of irresponsible spending, misplaced military adventures and a realization that the GOP cannot survive as solely a party for wealthy Americans. Change is coming to the GOP and we won't recognize it in 4 years.

As a social liberal, pro-abortion, pro-gay, I'm delighted with Sarah Palin. She is a realist, gets things done, promotes contraception and sex education (re condoms) -- and seems strong and sincere in her own anti-abortion feelings.

Put all that together -- and she might get the other anti-abortion people behind research for BETTER CONTRACEPTIVES to make abortion obsolete.

I suspect some people on both sides of keeping Roe vs Wade permanently under some sort of threat that never gets anywhere -- just to keep their respective bases stirred up. I don't see Palin going along with that. She'll stay out of social issues (as she has in Alaska) till she has a chance to do something CONSTRUCTIVE -- which might eliminate this whole bitter problem.

The fiscal conservatives went along with the the GOP, and did not mind the social conservative agendas. Somewhere along the line, Bush totally abandoned the fiscal conservatives by the protracted Iraq war and not vetoeing any spending bills. The republicans thought throwing the abortion and gay issues would rally the base. Neither the fiscal conservatives nor the values voters on their own can move the republicans to power. Unfortunately the republicans will have to sit out for 4 to 8 years and if both these groups can live in this tent republicans will come back. If Obama does a terrible job, they could be back in 4 years. But running only a socially conservative agenda will not be enough to win.

Hey "Shepherd Marilyn", thank you for proving my point about ignorant traitors taking over the Democrat Party and trashing it. Your justification for the bombings sounds like IRA/PLO Propaganda. You are not fooling anyone with your sympathetic tone.

The Democrat Party is the one that has gone completely haywire. I never thought I would see the day when Marxists hijacked the Democrat Party, and essentially turned it head-over-heels into a European Socialist Party. The GOP has Moderated itself if anything, how else can you explain the disdain some Republicans are now showing towards a complete Conservative such as Governor Palin? This is a sad day indeed.

When we used to discuss differences between Democrats and Republicans, we simply talked about differing ideals in how best to run this Nation.

Democrats typically believed in a Stronger Federal/Centralized Government, Higher taxes to fund more Federal Programs, and a philosophy of Loose Constructionism.

Republicans typically believed in a Weaker Federal/Centralized Government, Lower taxes to increase Entrepreneurial Opportunities, and a philosophy of Strict Constructionism.

NOW however, we are witnessing a Socialist agenda which has overtaken the Democrat Party, wherein they believe in a COMPLETE Federal/Centralized Government, Sky-High taxes to support a Welfare State, and a complete philosophy of State-Mandated Constructionism. WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO THE MODERN DEMOCRAT PARTY?

These Socialists are pushing America towards the VERY THING which we fought against in the American Revolution. How have we allowed our American Principles to stray so far from what this Nation was founded upon? Are we so blinded by "Party Loyalty" that we have completely abandoned American Loyalty? CHANGE is NOT what we need in this Nation, IMPROVEMENT IS.

nnia, perhaps you don't know that Ayers was never charged with any crime, never spent any time in prison, never killed or hurt anyone and is not a criminal.

He was an anti-war activist at a time about 1,000 US soldiers a week were being sent home in body bags during the illegal invasion and occupation of Vietnam.

Ayers is a national treasure not a terrorist. His group did not kill Americans, the national guard shot down Americans at Kent State, Ohio for daring to protest against the massacre of people in Vietnam.

You people have your brains screwed in the wrong way if you think that protesting against the Vietnam was was bad - I did it from 1966 onwards in Australia. I was only 13 when I started protesting and it took another 6 years for Australia to finally leave that hell hole and even longer for the Americans to get the point and leave.

American was rightly defeated in that adventure that they have refused to call a war. They left behind possibly thousands of soldiers and McCain stopped an investigation in 1992. You can see it all on Vietnam Vets. against McCain.

Instead of reading the right wing nut job fantasies, why don't you try some research of the truth about McCain and Vietnam.

I repeat, Ayers was a national treasure and the delusional apathy of the American population finally woke up to the slaughter in Vietnam after his group put tiny little bombs in toilets late at night, warned that the bombs would be going off and hurt no-one.

Get some old file footage, see what the US government was doing to it's citizens at the time Ayers was protesting and then hang your heads in shame.

I would be honoured to call Ayers a soul mate and imbeciles like you should consider that truth.

Australia lost hundreds of young men, we instituted this sick lottery that forced 19 year old boys into conscription, we have thousands still ill from the agent orange your bastard president Tricky Dicky ordered, people are still dying in Vietnam and US soldiers still get rashes and many are homeless without care.

Your lot make me sick to my stomach, you really, really do.

And in 10-20 years time US, Australia, British and all other soldiers along with Afghans and Iraqis will be dying in their hundreds of thousands due to the use of depleted uranium in civilian areas and on the soldiers.

Not only has McCain destroyed the party, but Sarah Palin has Injected a hatred split for the entire country with her vicious attacks. She, single handily, has created an environment of hate and opposition. That is very scary for the USA. I pray every night that she will not win the election.

Apparently the Washington Post does not mind "spreading the wealth around" either??? Note the popup ad on their web page for the Obama Campaign selling space to the Dem's. cause!!! Who paid who for that little ad???

Here's what I don't get with the Republican supporters. The 3 basic tenants of the party are: smaller government (less taxes/less spending), no military intervention in other countries unless absolutely necessary to the security of our country and no goverment intrusion into our personal lives. How can Republicans continue to defend their party when the size of government has exploded (on credit), only 1 word on military intervention - Iraq - and eavesdropping and reading e-mails of US citizens, not to mention the whole Schiavo debacle?

And don't all you nutcases go on an Obama attack. I'm just saying that if Obama gets elected, and decided to shrink the government by eliminating Medicare, Social Security, welfare, unemployment compensation, etc., screw healthcare and any other "entitlement" programs, and said, oh, I changed my mind, I think we'll just stay in Iraq indefinately, no time tables, I would feel betrayed. And I would be *extremely* critical of Obama and the Dem. Congress and the party in general.

So, 'splain to me, how, as a Republican, you can defend this administration and yes, McCain, who is an extension of. And for extra credit, defend your position without mentioning what a bunch of slimeballs Obama and the Dems. are.

The Democrats don't have a coherent message either. They just happen to have a candidate w/ a dynamic personality that most people seem to find appealing.

The Republicans should return to the principles of limited government and free market economics. They should point out the fact that the failure of Bush's policies can largely be attributed to the fact that he has acted like a stereotypical Democrat. He started an interventionist war. He expanded medicare and medicaid. He increased federal meddling in the school system. These are historically Democratic positions and they have proven to be horrible failures again. The new Republican Party should lump Bush into the pile of failed socialists and moralists and follow the guiding light of Milton Friedman.

Is it a Crime to admit the Blatant Truth, or is it somehow Politically(Pun) In-Correct?

While the Dimocrat Socialists have gotten their Dream(As in Fantasy!) Ticket;

Conservatives have been handed a Stooged RINO and his self appointed Cheerleader!

The ONLY thing I can say Good about McAmnesty, is he most likely will not appoint Libbie Judges-A Nightmare From Hell about to Occur Thanks to the idiotic Ticket the GOP has put forth(Damn them to Hell for it!).

I DEMANDED-And STILL DO, a Representative who WOULD ENFORCE our Nation's Federal Labor Laws, and STOP the Magnet Flooding our Country with Invaders DESTROYING our WAGES and COMMUNITIES!

What did we get?

LOL! And you think WE do not know what is IMPORTANT to US!

McCain has already LOST!

He should Abdicate the Lead Role to the NEEDED Venture Capitalist/ Statesman/ Governor-Mitt Romney, and be HIS Vice President!

Then, Let's see if the Conservatives are still not sure about what WE WANT!

With all due respect for your analysis, how is this an "identity crisis"? On foreign policy, economic policy, and social policy, the Republicans have been pushing the same agenda they've been pushing since I was an infant, with very little modification in either rhetoric or tactics.

All that changed is that for most of the last eight years, they've been permitted to run wild without any checks and balances that might have steered them away from their worst excesses. The result is that we now have hard data that their philosophies are inadequate towards either preventing crises or coping with crises.

The crisis is that the Republicans have been allowed to be true to themselves.

Comrade McCain supported the Wall Street bailout and billions in give-away's to the banks. He wants the USA gov to buy all the household "bad mortgages" at an estimated cost of close to 1/2 trillion dollars. McCain is Mr. Socialism. No doubt about it.

Ultimately, the republicans have yet to explain any coherent policy to the people of the USA.

In his recent article in the NYT, William Krystal says "I like Sarah Palin" but refuses to say why, then goes on to characteristically attack the democrats.

You simply cannot espouse political wisdom with any credibility while supporting a platform that has no clear definition. What does it mean to be a republican? What does it mean to be a 'social conservative'?

No one has yet to define what it means to be a republican right-wing social conservative other than by proxy in aligning themselves with the vacant, shallow rhetoric and shallow ideals that harbor the ugliest traits of rightist radicals -- fear mongering, malicious gossip and rumor-spreading, deceitful pandering, a profound fear of change, a terrifically weak knowledge of foreign relations, and a child-like, stubbornly-held illiteracy when it comes to understanding what true socialism is versus the real USA democratic platform.

All this incredible 'win-at-any-cost' effort -- all for what? To support what grand philosophy? A mere belief in a cult of personalities that has proven itself to be horribly unqualified to lead?

The Republican Party did this to themselves. It was only a matter of time before they imploded. they (Karl Rove?) started going after individual voting groups on social issues regardless of whether these people agreed or benefitted from the larger ideals of the Republican Party.
They moved so far toward these social issues (anti-abortion, anti gay rights) that they started losing the borderline fiscal conservatives and now even the social conservatives who are hit hard by the economy, who finally recognize that the Democrats are better for them in the long run.
It had to happen sometime. It was very short-term thinking.

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The owner of a company hired by the California Republican Party to register voters was arrested over the weekend on charges of voter registration fraud and perjury, officials said on Monday.

Mark Jacoby is accused of fraudulently registering himself to vote at a Los Angeles address where he no longer resides -- his boyhood home -- to meet a state law requiring all signature gatherers to register or be eligible to vote in California.

He did this twice, in 2006 and 2007, according to a statement issued by the California secretary of state, Debra Bowen. A spokeswoman for Bowen said investigators found the home at the address where he registered was no longer owned by Jacoby's family.
Mark Jacoby is accused of fraudulently registering
himself to vote at a childhood California address where he no longer lives so he would appear to meet the legal requirement that all signature gatherers be eligible to vote in California.
-----------------------

In the movie "ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE" Jimmy Stewart plays a character named "George Bailey"....George has an angel named Clarence.
Clarence informs George that..."Everytime someone rings a bell...an angel gets its wings"
Every time a right wing nut neocon republican nazi posts a negative comment and lies about Obama..."He's a Muslim" ..."He wasn't born in America".."He's a terrorist"....Obama recieves another 100 votes.
Neocon nazis are urged to TYPE FASTER...
....These fools are handin out wings...hahahahahaha

I don't know why anyone is shocked by the defection of some Republicans from McCain's Candidacy. He is known as a Washington D.C. reformer and has consistently voted against his own party when necessary. GOOD FOR HIM! That is what makes him a good candidate for President. Those who have defected have probably got an ax to grind. Too bad for them. They will apparently go with any candidate if they make sure things stay Politics as usual in Washington D.C. Every indication of Obama's history of voting along the party line says that is the case. Obama the "candidate for change" really seems to be the "candidate for anything his party endorses."

How hypocritical that Sarah Palin wants to use taxpayer's money to pay for her "family trips" to the tune of over 21,000 dollars...and calls Senator Obama's plan to help the middleclass - socialism. Oh! it's alright for the rich to use our money, but when the rich have their wealth equally "spread out" it's socialism!!!GIVE ME A MOOSE BREAK!

In the movie "ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE" Jimmy Stewart plays a character named "George Bailey"....George has an angel named Clarence.
Clarence informs George that..."Everytime someone rings a bell...an angel gets its wings"
Every time a right wing nut neocon republican nazi posts a negative comment and lies about Obama..."He's a Muslim" ..."He wasn't born in America".."He's a terrorist"....Obama recieves another 100 votes.
Neocon nazis are urged to TYPE FASTER...
....These fools are handin out wings...hahahahahaha

Its no wonder that McCain is losing his identity with all that he and Palin have stirred up in their rallies, thanks to them a person doesn,t feel safe to attend his rally, I wouldn,t with all the derisive bordering on Nazism check this out what they have spawned as of late:http://www.thealders.net/blogs/

I despise the Republican party. There is nothing worse than a Republican - except for a Democrat. Our government is illegitimate, the political class is my enemy, this election is a sham, my vote has been stolen multiple times by ACORN. The Republican party under the Bush family, the neocons, and the RINOS is nothing but a collaborator with the liberal fascists of the Democrat party. I want a European-American Homeland on the North American Continent, and the restoration of the Constitution. Barack Obama and the liberal fascists are about to find out what is going to happen when the government tries to take our property and our freedom. We will fight to the death. But first we need to get rid of the Republican party.

Roger Ailes, Rush Limbaugh, drug addict, and the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth need to be working their backsides off trying to distance the Republican Party from George W. Bush. Remember to watch for the red, white and blue ads and the appeals to military might. Overlook that Obama nailed the GOP during is acceptance speech: "John McCain wants to follow bin Laden to the gates of h3ll, but won't follow him to the cave he calls his home." Triple score. Reminds people Bush has failed to catch bin Laden. Reminds people McCain is already marked as a failure. Reminds people McCain can't remember how many homes he owns. When I first heard the statement, I almost thought Roger Ailes had written it for Barack Obama. Ailes wishes. I haven't heard anything that intelligent or succinct out of Roger Ailes during this election.

Mr. Balz, you write about tightening polls but don't mention which ones they are. I have just been home for 2 hours and CNN poll of poll show a 9 point lead for Obama and the WSJ/NBC poll give Obama a 10 point lead. What are you seeing and hearing that the rest aren't?

The noise the repug party leadership is making now - the mean, hateful and false accusations on democracy are merely the sounds of the right wing conservative demons being exorcised from the American spirit.

"A little patience, and we shall see the reign of witches pass over, their spells dissolve, and the people, recovering their true sight, restore their government to it's true principles. It is true that in the mean time we are suffering deeply in spirit, and incurring the horrors of a war & long oppressions of enormous public debt."-Thomas Jefferson

I saw Michelle in Pensacola this afternoon and it was great. We had a terrific crowd of more than 6,500 in the heart of Republican country my dear home. We are energized and Michelle Obama filled the civic center and then led a march to vote where more than 1,000 people cast ballots, shattering previous records of early voting. It rained the day Caribou Barbie came to Pensacola and it was gorgeous today. There were only "2" McCain protestors at this rally and people were eating them alive. This is Scarborough Country, the Republican Heart of America and I stood with more people of every race today than any time in my long life. It was refreshing and the energy was incredible! Vote Obama and give our kids a chance!

I have spent a fair amount of my working life in America and it is a great nation.. Back here in Europe at dinner parties I'm the one defending her and her people against European snobbery and ignorance. But I have to tell you, if the GOP wins the White House, after the last 8 years, after the contempt the party has shown the American people during this election campaign- not least in suggesting anyone who isn't Republican is "unAmerican." That the nation can be divided into "pro" and "anti"- American areas. If a party like that can win despite appealing to all those things that divide America, rather than the things that unite-and plays on fears rather than hopes..then as voters you all deserve everything you get!

Who'da thought an administration that came into being by stealing an election would be 'bad for America' -- duh! Every problem the country faced was looked at as an opportunity to steal from the American people, or lock in power so they could keep on stealing. And millions are still voting for them. Unbelievable!

The Republican Party has only itself to blame for its impending fall from favor. It abandoned core conservative values for fringe religious values, and chased mainstream members who understand how to conserve out of the party.

Now it will face a bigger test (after they lose the upcoming election): do they throw out this fringe element and try to win back those like me who left before the 2004 election? Or to they let the Limbaughs and the Buchannans remain the guiding force, in which case the party could actually face its demise.

I am so sick of hearing Republicans say that liberals "hate" real america.

We don't.

But what the majority, the real americans really hate is the republican dominated administrations of the last 30 years and their failed "trickle down' super capitalism, which is a complete and utter failure for the world to see.

It's time for real change.

And this noise about socialism? Governor Palin: In Alaska, you tax oil companies and distribute those monies amongst all citizens of Alaska, right?

The tiny changes that the US could make in the world supply by drilling more are completely swamped by the supplies available elsewhere in the world. Democrats have been saying for a long time that we need to decrease demand, and create more fuel efficient vehicles. Now the Republicans are slowly coming around, as usual a day late and a dollar short.

If we had done so before the latest spikes in energy demand, instead of following the scoffing lead of Bush and Cheney, who called conservation "a private virtue", our auto industry would be booming, and gas prices would be much lower. And we wouldn't have been financing the world's rogue regimes like Iran and Venezuela.

Some how Republican proved themselves to be rougue, corrupt, power abuser, sucker, greedy heavily selfinterest group who were more into the damaging tactics than in reconciliation, uniter and having policy of harmony for America and rest of the world. How long a contry can contiue its domination by making enemy everywhere which is direct product of Republican policy. I sure Americans have realised they have misleaded badly in the name of world order and patriotism. What sort of patriotism is this where the government does not care about its own nation and its people.

as a young independent, i do share some values of Senator Buckley & Senator Hagel in the GOP. today, GOP expects to control the inevitable change in the new era and refused to adopt ideas that fit present & future with their core values. the ranting of smears and negatives are fascade of fear, fear to move forward, embrace the new era. i hope we have another party that stands for neither extreme liberal nor conservative.

The noise the repug party leadership is making now - the mean, hateful and false accusations on democracy are merely the sounds of the right wing conservative demons being exorcised from the American spirit.

As everyone in the entire world, without exception knows, the correlation between negative posts
about Obama being a Muslim, anti American, non native American born, having relationships with terrorists........raises his likelyhood of becoming the next president.
Americans are repulsed by the neocons and republican facist nazi tactics.
For you three or four rightwingnuts still typing...TYPE FASTER !!!!

Obama wants to give a driver's license to any illegal alien who wants one. The 9/11 plot depended on such licenses.
Nineteen terrorists infiltrate the U.S.
Thirteen get driver’s licenses.

The 9/11 plot depended on easy to get licenses.
Obama’s plan gives a license to any illegal who wants one.
A license they can use to get government benefits, a mortgage, board a plane, even illegally vote.

Here's yet one more example of how much Republicans hate "big government." It's from today's AP wire:

Gov. Sarah Palin charged the state for her children to travel with her, including to events where they were not invited, and later amended expense reports to specify that they were on official business.

The charges included costs for hotel and commercial flights for three daughters to join Palin to watch their father in a snowmobile race, and a trip to New York, where the governor attended a five-hour conference and stayed with 17-year-old Bristol for five days and four nights in a luxury hotel.

In all, Palin has charged the state $21,012 for her three daughters' 64 one-way and 12 round-trip commercial flights since she took office in December 2006. In some other cases, she has charged the state for hotel rooms for the girls.

Back in 2004, when the Republicans controlled the House, they tried to have a hearing on the threat that the financial mismanagement of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac presented to the U.S. economy. Here’s the video evidence of the Democrats blocking efforts to hold officials accountable. This problem did not get the publicity it deserved in the liberal media, such as the New York Times and the Washington Post. This incredible Congressional video shows Republicans in Congress trying to regulate better Fannie Mae and how the Democrats fought that tooth and nail, even referring to criticism of former chairman Raines as a "lynching".

Back in 2004, when the Republicans controlled the House, they tried to have a hearing on the threat that the financial mismanagement of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac presented to the U.S. economy. Here’s the video evidence of the Democrats blocking efforts to hold officials accountable. This problem did not get the publicity it deserved in the liberal media, such as the New York Times and the Washington Post. This incredible Congressional video shows Republicans in Congress trying to regulate better Fannie Mae and how the Democrats fought that tooth and nail, even referring to criticism of former chairman Raines as a "lynching".

Political parties have their ups and downs just like the economy does, and for the same reason: the movers and shakers start believing their own stuff, believing that since they had a success or two, they can do no wrong and will be forgiven all manner of foibles and serious wrongdoing as long as the people continue to get their bread and circuses on time.

Then something goes wrong and it's time for the next batch of clowns to go to work.

The one saving grace for the U.S. is that we don't remain stuck with the same batch of clowns for half of eternity.

Although I admit it might SEEM like it some time.

The first order of business I expect for the new clown batch is to seriously roll back Bush's extraconstitutional power structures to lower the internal threat level.

And, bring back paper ballot trails while you're at it.

Even so, new clowns, recognize that you serve at the pleasure of the people. Try and remember that for more than the first 100 days, or the first congressional recess, whichever comes first.

John McCain said, “I’m also very pleased to have the endorsement of four former secretaries of state, Secretaries Henry Kissinger, James Baker, Larry Eagleburger and Alexander Haig. And I’m proud to have the endorsement of well over 200 retired Army generals and admirals.”

REMIND ME AGAIN, Hugh, which of these people that you listed is the one "GOD DAMNING AMERICA?"

Remind me again, Hugh, which of these people that you listed formed a financial partnership with Libyan dictator Muammar Qadhafi, refers to Judaism as a "gutter religion" and to Adolf Hitler as "a great man?"

Remind me again, Hugh, which of these people that you listed is the one who bombed the Pentagon and other US property and institutions, killing several people in the process?

Remind me again, Hugh, which of these people that you listed is the one who referred to NYC as "Hymietown?" Is he the same one who promised Freddie Mac that its employees would drop their discrimination lawsuit for a cool million dollars and pocketed the money?

Remind me again, Hugh, which of these people that you listed is the one who exploits Black America and calls for boycotts against US employers, without cause, for his own gain?

Remind me again, Hugh, which of these people that you listed is the Cop Killer?

You don't have to remind me, Hugh, you are my Idiotic Next Door Neighbor.

How many people know the racist history of the Democratic Party? They were responsible for the Wilmington Insurrection of 1898. The only instance of a municipal government being overthrown in US History. The Dems went into Wilmington, the largest city in NC at the time and a majority black population and a intergrated governing body overthrew the government, kill 22 Republicans and past the first Jim Crow laws. They fought every single civil rights legislation ever brought before congress. The only reason Kennedy gave in his letter to congress to consider the civil rights act was because of fear of civil unrest. President Johnson was known to refer to the n----- preacher that was causing trouble. Look who is responsible for every case of failed social policy. Yes the Republican Party does traditionally side with the interest of free enterprise, which does not mean exclusively the rich, it includes all who would like to increase their wealth and not have the government take it. Why do we had the rich? How many names of poor people are on the little bronze plaques that name the people that funded hospitals, museums, schools, etc? Yes there are dispicable people of both parties but being poor does not make one virtuous. The current financial mess is entirly Democratic. Clinton made the mistake of change the loan requirements to increase home ownership amoung low income people. Obama was one of the lawyers that sued Citibank for "redlining" not making bad loans to people that couldn't pay it back and it was the Democratic Party that kept increasing the amount of sub-prime loans that Fannie and Freddie carried in their portfolio. His friend and advisor Frank Raines fleeced Fannie Mae for $25 million. Chris Dodd got very good deals from Countrywide. Mean while Bush, McCain and other Republicans begged for regulation of Fannie and Freddie. Republicans aren't angels, but it is much better to count on them than risk any thing to the Democrats!

McCain now knows that he is not G.W.Bush; Palin is off to meet the 'real' America without ever giving any indication of where exactly 'unreal' America was situated & the GOP has an identity crisis ? Sounds to me like a whacko scenario from the CIA - we don't know where Osama Bin Laden is hiding but with all this going on he could just die laughing !

Long-time Republicans opt out of their own party this year because it has been taken over by the religious fanatics, the kooks, and the racists. The traditions of the once-proud party have been destroyed by Bush-McCain-Palin. I enjoyed this comment from a Pennsylvania voter on Cafferty today: "I am going to vote for Obama; I am a Redneck, but I am not stupid!"

REMIND ME AGAIN, Hugh, which of these people that you listed is the one "GOD DAMNING AMERICA?"

Remind me again, Hugh, which of these people that you listed formed a financial partnership with Libyan dictator Muammar Qadhafi, refers to Judaism as a "gutter religion" and to Adolf Hitler as "a great man?"

Remind me again, Hugh, which of these people that you listed is the one who bombed the Pentagon and other US property and institutions, killing several people in the process?

Remind me again, Hugh, which of these people that you listed is the one who referred to NYC as "Hymietown?" Is he the same one who promised Freddie Mac that its employees would drop their discrimination lawsuit for a cool million dollars and pocketed the money?

Remind me again, Hugh, which of these people that you listed is the one who exploits Black America and calls for boycotts against US employers, without cause, for his own gain?

Remind me again, Hugh, which of these people that you listed is the Cop Killer?

You don't have to remind me, Hugh, YOU are my Idiotic Next Door Neighbor.

REMIND ME AGAIN, Hugh, which of these people that you listed is the one "GOD DAMNING AMERICA?"

Remind me again, Hugh, which of these people that you listed formed a financial partnership with Libyan dictator Muammar Qadhafi, refers to Judaism as a "gutter religion" and to Adolf Hitler as "a great man?"

Remind me again, Hugh, which of these people that you listed is the one who bombed the Pentagon and other US property and institutions, killing several people in the process?

Remind me again, Hugh, which of these people that you listed is the one who referred to NYC as "Hymietown?" Is he the same one who promised Freddie Mac that its employees would drop their discrimination lawsuit for a cool million dollars and pocketed the money?

Remind me again, Hugh, which of these people that you listed is the one who exploits Black America and calls for boycotts against US employers, without cause, for his own gain?

Remind me again, Hugh, which of these people that you listed is the Cop Killer?

You don't have to remind me, Hugh, you are my Idiotic Next Door Neighbor.

Long-time Republicans opt out of their own party this year because it has been taken over by the religious fanatics, the kooks, and the racists. The traditions of the once-proud party have been destroyed by Bush-McCain-Palin. I enjoyed this comment from a Pennsylvania voter on Cafferty today: "I am going to vote for Obama; I am a Redneck, but I am not stupid!"

Payback is a BYOTCH !
They're only going to get what they deserve, which would be jail for treason. Every one of them.
I like how everyone is seeing the mccain myth explode right before our eyes. He is and always will be an incompetent spoiled little brat. What, no daddy or grand daddy to bail him out his time. AWWWWWWWWWWWW !

Wiggin wrote: "As a social liberal and fiscal conservative, there is room for me in neither party."

The fact is, there is more room today in the Democratic Party. With deficit spending the norm in the Republican Party--I never could understand how we could be anti-tax while pro-spending--there's no room for fiscal conservatives in either party.

With respect to social issues, the Republican Party has not allowed dissent in any form. It actually demonizes anyone who dares be "pro-choice" or, God-forbid, doesn't wear a flag pin in his or her lapel. And don't get me started about the "Pledge of Allegiance" in schools, another Republican favorite.

Then we select a vice-presidential nominee who is totally unprepared to be in office and they want us to fall in line like lemmings. I'm sorry.

It does seem like this is the time to start a third party that is socially liberal, but fiscally conservative. Not like the Republicans call themselves fiscal conservatives today, but a party that really believes in reduced deficit spending, whether that means cutting spending or raising taxes, rather than forcing our children to pay our debts.

The Republican Party with identity crisis? NO WAY, JOSE!
Everyone knows that it is the party of hypocrite evangelicals, cronyism, incompetence, stupidity, and only stands for the rich.
What identity crisis?

A good bobsled team needs an agile driver and an experienced and steady brakeman. Ever since our revolution in '76, our nation has been like a bobsled riding the ever quickening course of history.

The Democratic Party as it has come to be has the vision, ideals and the inclusiveness to govern and drive this country--it is not perfect driving but it seems to get us there. The Republicans on the other hand, well at their best they can be a solid and sober brakeman. At their worst they fan the embers of fear and ignorance and sometimes start destructive fires that run the danger of consuming the nation.

If we would like the 21st century to be the second "American Century", then we'd be wise to keep the steering wheel out of the Republican's hands for as long as possible. As it is now we will have to work mightily to get the sled back on the track--it has already cost a $700 billion bail out of the financial system, an historic federal deficit and a huge amount of prestige and respect internationally.

It seems like every generation, now for the past three generations--my grandparent's generation and the great depression, my parent's generation and the treason of Watergate, and now my generation and the self-fulfilling prophecy of incompetence in government, requires that the Republican's be thrown out into the political wilderness.

Not to worry Republicans! As long as their is fear and ignorance and those who know how to stoke it into a reactionary force the Republican Party will survive to pox the next generation of Americans.

lcarter0311: The Republican puppet masters have clearly decided upon their agenda as they did when they chose Palin certainly against the advice of McCain. Now he's just showing himself to be a 72 year old male charmed by a much younger woman. He's lucky she's pro-life (and against euthanasia !)- oh, sorry, so long as your not a moose, caribou, wolf or coyote !

The Republican party deserves to lose. Not because of John McCain or even George Bush...but because they are comfortable stating that people like myself - who don't agree with many of their social issue stances, foreign policy decisions, and economic policies - are somehow 'un American.' I consider myself a fiscal conservative, and a social moderate (or liberal nowadays I guess). I work part time, have two small children, and was raised in a solidly Republican family - and frankly I am SO sick and tired of being told I am unpatriotic for not supporting the increasingly right wing GOP party line. The GOP had my vote when I first came of voting age by the way (during Reagan/Bush)...but they lost it. I hope I have the chance to say 'good riddance' to these divisive, angry politicians this year.

Posted by: aredee I suspect Palin smells disaster and wants to not so subtly distance herself from McCain so that she can try to do a "Hillary Clinton" in 2012.
___________________________________________
aredee, but you would at least think that Palin would try to help old John win this election before she starts doing him in. Any blind person can see that she is in it for her own selfish motives and for those on the far right.

She could at least wait and see this thing through till Nov., 4th... like Cheney did before he and the rest of those Extreme Right-Wing GOP surrogates did before doing G.W. in... right after he got into office (twice).

"I kinda feel sorry for John". He doesn't know whether to go Right, Go Left, or try to stay in the Middle somehow. Either way, he is being used in a very big way.

seawolfR: Your memory appears to be a little short on Iraq. From the beginning the military told Rumsfeld that they would need a lot more troops in Iraq if any form of "success" was to emerge. In other words the "surge" should have happened from the word go - not many years later after the deaths of thousands of young Americans. If Bush/McCain now want to say the "surge" was a success which is responsible for the decline in the number of American casualties then dei facto they admit that their refusal to supply the requisite troops initially as requested was the cause of many of the deaths subsequently. You can't have the argument both ways. As for Georgia in time we will discover what Machiavellian plot led the Georgian leader to start something with the Russians that could obviously only end in disaster. Given the Bush/Cheyney/McCain love for intrigue and sacrifice of the innocent I suspect one won't have to look too far to see where that idea originated from.

Thank you Monk4Hall for pointing out what you did. The McShame/Pal-in (around w/warmongers) campaign has run a shameful & disgusting campaign. They are so "desperate to win a campaign" (remember them words?) they will stoop to every dirty trick in the book.

He has the nerve to bad-mouth Congressman Lewis for calling it the way he saw it & this WHITE IDEPENDENT VOTER who grew up in the Civil Rights Era can say AMEN to what was said.

The McShame/Pal-in campaign is using fear tactics to besmirch the Obama-Biden campaign. IE-Socialism, conjuring up images of the USSR after Russia invades Georgia. IE-Terrorist, because his name is different & trying to align him with Muslim terrorists because his father came from a muslim country. GET REAL! Your Ayers/Rev. Wright garbage is old & most of us could care less. Especially since the Republican Party has enabled & created the mess we are in right now. Colin Powell did well in endorsing Barack Obama because he sees as clearly as many non-supporters of your campaign who would be the BEST PRESIDENT.

For you to be "ragging" on Barack Obama cuz he showed some luv to the TB Rays is ridiculous. I'm a LOYAL member of RED SOX NATION & while it hurt that my team didn't win the ALCS I ain't gonna "hate on" the Rays (I don't expect you to understand the terminology I'm using because you don't wanna get to know the Black McCain's your ancestors enslaved but they would understand).

BTW, many of us know the truth about how you were almost drummed out of the military because of the number of airplanes you destroyed before you even went to Vietnam. It was only because of your daddy's & grand-daddy's distinguished military career that saved your butt!

This is a self made mess for the republican party. During the time when they had a perfect majority with Bush they abused every aspect of their power. It isn't their message or McCain or even Bush. It is the result of using tragedy as an opportunity for selfish motives instead of for the benefit of the American people. In truth, if they lose in all races it will be more than they deserve. They brought America to its financial knees, turned us against each other, destroyed accountability, trashed civil rights, and spit in the face of the middle class by giving our jobs away to our enemies. History will be less even less kind to them than the electorate in November. They should be happy that losing power is the only price extracted for their abuse.

To many crimes to tell over the 7 years so let's just look at the one's being committed now. Paulson has 700 billion bailout package and has just ok'd 74 billion in pay out and bonuses to Goldman Sachs and Citi Bank. Both are not involved in the bailout but got the billions in pay outs. This Administration will rob you and look at you at the same time while the Media talks about something else. Not a dime has gone to help the people but Goldman Sachs and Citi Bank get PAID. Paulson was put in the job to steal for Goldman Sachs and he's doing a great job. This is the reason none of the World Leaders will join the US in this Economic Crisis, the US is run by thieves and crooks.

esco6950: I will change my views on Fox Spews when I hear one piece of positive, credible information emerge. With the likes of Hannity/OReilly etc etc that's not likely to happen soon. If you really ingest the nonsense they broadcast everyday I'd suggest you're the one in the dark needing "enlightenment". Come visit with the Obama people and learn where the future really is.

The Republican campaign rhetoric is off the charts. Republican spokespeople have been less than remotely honest with regards to the issues. The attack, attack, and attack mode of the Republican campaign does not say anything about what they plan to do. It seems like it is attack 24 hours each day. There is a downside to this type of politics. I pray that we do not see it other than the hateful shouts at the McCain-Palin rallies.

aredee - they try to be fair and balanced. Sometimes they go to far to the left and sometimes they go to far to the right. But they don't hold it back like other media. The truth lies somewhere in the middle. Thank God for Fox to balance the issues. Otherwise we'd all be in the dark like you.

The Republican party has no one to blame but itself. The party as it stands today, by the end of the Bush/Cheney tenue, has come to represent the mean-spirited and exculsive "You're either for us or against us" attitude--on anything and everything. It's become the party of intolerence, personified by the likes of Ralph Reed, James Dobson, and Pat Robertson. It's come synonymous with cronyism and incompetence (Heckofajob Brownie, Alberto Gonzales, Miers for Supreme Court). It's become the party where no one is responsible for their actions (Can't testify. Sorry. Executive Privilege, you know.) It's become known as the party of ignorance, where EPA reports are edited because the White House doesn't agree with science. It's come to stand for hypocricy, with Newt Gingrich running Clinton through the wringer over sex WHILE HE's having an affair with his own secretary.
Like it or not, this is what the party is now known for. And none of this can be blamed on Democrats. It's all been self-inflicted injuries. And it's actually been sad to witness.

Hailing from a state that is turning a lovely shade of purple, I have to admit that I do have an understanding and appreciation for true conservatism. But what the Republican Party has turned into a sick, sad parody of itself.

The melding of the "Chicago School of Economics" (the "voodoo economics" theories that became the bedrock principles of "Market Fundamentalism" ), grafted onto the old line blue blood New England moderate Republicanism, combined with the "social" conservatives -- who brought on board the loopy religious right -- and the xenophobia and latent racism of Nixon's "Southern Strategy", was a fragile coalition to hold together in the first place.

The Oedipal family drama that is "W" and the Bush family, has tarnished the good name of the United States for generations to come. The family screw-up who mismanaged every business he was put into was then "given" (with the aid of the Supreme Court) the United States to mismanage! What were they thinking!? (Trying to prove Reagan's axiom that government IS the problem?) Same results, only now it is the US and world finance that are bankrupt. (Although I would lay a big chunk of the blame on Alan Greenspan.)

The "sailor on shore-leave" drunken spending orgy that the Republicans gave us while occupying all three branches of government put the lie to the notion that Republicans are "fiscally conservative". (O'Neil would "Tip" his hat in honor of the porkbarrel "earmarks" they cleverly dispensed.)

Terry Schaivo, gay sex scandals, Jack Abramov, attorney-gate, torture, illegal wiretapping, unprovoked attack on a sovereign nation -- the supreme war crime -- are only some of the scandals that any sane Republican should be fleeing; the disaster that IS the current day party.

The Republicans will recover after some time as the opposition party. They will indeed coalesce around newly articulated principles. They will prevail at the polls again. But I think that John McCain is in a fairly hopeless position. We need a major paradigm shift. The Republican ideas are shopworn and stale.

I pray that the Democrats do not over-play their position in the upcoming Congress and rule from humility and cooperation. The country is in dire straights and will need a steady hand -- not divisive politics -- to get us through.

Hawaiian_Gecko: GDP has increased by 17.4% over the period you consider but Federal Tax Revenue has increased by 47.06% - is that a good conservative equation ? Doesn't that tend to suggest that Republicans (for the majority of the period considered) have actually increased taxation in effect ?

Please refer to an article written by Maureen Dowd published in the New York Times Magazine on June 29, 2008.

You may find a shocking revelation.

There are concerns about the legality of contributions after the recent exposure of illegal bundlers on the internet, but now it appears we may have an even greater problem. This will require an indepth audit, which will not be concluded in time for the election. It appears that many contributions have come in from overseas sources.

lcarter0311: I suspect Palin smells disaster and wants to not so subtly distance herself from McCain so that she can try to do a "Hillary Clinton" in 2012. The reality, dear Mrs Palin, is that you are not a Hillary by any measure. Stick to moose murdering and stabbing McCain in the back, it appears to suit you.

The GOP platform used to be a party that backed and held tight to its values, beliefs, and more so to their candidate. Now they seem to screw their candidate in the back and anybody else that gets in the way of their real political agenda.

That agenda is NOT about the American people, specifically those in the middle class and below.

It's over for the Republicans. Policies that have led to death, destruction and the ruin of our economy will be replaced by more intelligent policies that will foster long-term peace and prosperity for America.

It's hard to prove a theory, but it is very easy to disprove it. The theory of freemarkets cost Americans 700b (and counting). When hypocrites say that they don't want regulation (but want their lobbyists to get them special favors), when hypocrites say that we should use science to find oil (but not clean up its mess), when hypocrites say that we should love God (but not blacks and jews and gays), then it is time for those people to be thrown out of office for good.

Go to the wilderness. Find your real souls. And then come back with some new ideas. You tools.

sroxanne - really -- and just what have you researched about Obama's background? Or are you one of those many who refuse to get the facts straight? As an independent, I find both sides are lost. But the facts are the facts and you can't hide them. Don't blame Fox for doing a good job of informing the people, when the leftist media doesn't even report on facts.

It happened in 1982 when the Republican Congress got wiped out. Reagan would have been booted out if he was up for reelection that year. It happened in 1992 to Bush the elder. In 2006, Congressional Republicans got smacked and this year will be the ultimate smack down of Republicans at all levels.

It is not enough to just watch the unemployment rate or GDP. You have to watch median income or wages. When the rising tide lifts ALL ships, then all is well.

The divide and rage strategy of Rove-Bush-McCain-Palin works! As a former Republican of 40 years; I no longer want to coexist with any of those currently sporting the Republican label! Whether the Pro Americans, the Real Americans, the Joe Six-Packs, Joe the Plumber, the Bush Have Mores, the Cheney Neo-Con Straussians, the Death cults of the Evangelicals, the Corporate Fascists, ... ; I want them all gone, evicted, deposed, convicted, tar and feathered, impeached, imprisoned, rejected, repudiated, deported, jailed, exposed, and run out of the country on a rail!
The Republican brand is one of shame and failure; lying and subterfuge; secrecy and terror; evil and slander; bribery and thievery; mediocrity and mendacity. It needs to thrown on the pile of historical disgrace with Nazism, Fascism, Communism, McCarthyism, and religious and especially Christian Fundamentalism!
!

The shock of loosing the election after being told by the liberal media that the election of Obama is secured...will produced such anger in the black community and radical zealots that will rush them to the streets to destroy our cities.

We need to be prepared to contain and suffocate that anger! to Save America.......
--------------------------------------------

Sounds like you are preparing your excuse to harm someone of color. Tell me, are you going to engage some form of rage if McCain loses?

lartfromabove is correct about Jimmy Carter. I should add that he appointed Paul Volcker as Federal Reserve chairman. It was Volcker who adopted the control of the money supply as advocated by Milton Friedman to bring inflation under control. And that inflation was due to the Iranian oil embargo, an external event. W. has destroyed our economy for no reason at all, except the Neocon fantasies of himself and Cheney.

Jesus Christ appears in Bethlehem, PENNSYLVANIA and endorses Obama...an angry crowd of republican neocons assemble and procede to hammer a crown of thorns on Mr Jesus Christ head and nail him to a cross....shouts of "KILL HIM" rang throughout the crowds....

As a social liberal and fiscal conservative, there is room for me in neither party. Democrats are liberal with spending and personal freedom, and fundamentally don't get capitalism. Republicans claim a fiscally conservative heritage from Goldwater on, but realistically Reagan, Bush the First, Bush the Second all have bee big goverment presidents. The unifier has been social conservativism.

I say they should fully embrace fiscal conservativism to contrast themselves with the socialist trend of the Democratic party. There is room enough in the party for social conservatives and liberals, but once you walk down the road of deficit spending and big government there is no real clear idealogical difference between the parties. It is precisely McCains support of big government spending in the bailout which is making most of the Republican party groan.

So the push needs to go towards fiscal conservatism, and that needs to take precedence over social conservatism.

What's most illuminating about this piece is the observation that the Republican Party's success, over time, has derived from its ability, with the more recent help of the blowhards at Fox News and histrionic talk radio, to unite voters AGAINST something -- anti-Communist (Nixon), anti-crime (read: anti-disenfranchised minorities who commit crime) (Bush I), anti-government (Reagan), anti-terrorist/abortion/gay marriage (Bush II and now McCain). This is exactly the problem with the party, the intractable habit that leads it in this election, as in previous elections, to resort to hatred and divisiveness when all other strategies are failing or candidates flailing. If, a majority of Americans is exhausted with this drumbeat of negative energy and is finally, FINALLY looking to be IN FAVOR OF something, to embrace a cause representative of hopeful, optimistic, GLOBAL unity and constructive, interactive, productive world citizenship, we should all be greatly relieved and encouraged.

Carter was a great president. He had the courage to slam the breaks on Nixon's voodoo economics, saying that America wouldn't use the invisible tax of inflation to finance the Vietnam war. He brokered peace between Egypt and Israel, supported democracy and human rights in Latin America, much needed after the democratic regime in Chile was overthrown, supported democracy and human rights in eastern Europe that help trigger the Gdansk uprising that was the real beginning of the end of communism. He kept America out of war with Iran; one can easily imagine a Republican president launching a massive invasion in response to the hostage crisis. The failure of the rescue mission lost fewer lives than were lost in Lebanon under Reagan or Somalia during Bush Sr.'s term.

Bush destroyed the Republican party, completing the path to extremism and irrelevance that Reagan started (though Nixon and Goldwater were precursors). During the 19th century, the Whigs became unelectable and had to be replaced by a new party; that may be the fate of the Republicans in the 21st century.

The shock of loosing the election after being told by the liberal media that the election of Obama is secured...will produced such anger in the black community and radical zealots that will rush them to the streets to destroy our cities.

We need to be prepared to contain and suffocate that anger! to Save America.......

No one has mentioned that only Vladimir, Bin Laden and Ahmadinejad have been the beneficiaries of W.'s policies, which McCain has said he supported (until recently, that is). Colin Powell is smart enough to realize that approach doesn't do our security any good.

The GOP platform used to be a party that backed and held tight to its candidate. Now they seem to screw their candidate in the back and anybody else that gets in the way of their real political agenda.

That agenda is about the American people, specifically those in the middle class and below.

The Chimp has had a serious Identity Problem For Years. He still does not know who he is. He lead the country into a very deep and serious Self Image Problem throughout America and the whole World as a Result he and the People will suffer because of what eventually lead use to serious Self Esteem Problem and Shame is the Leading Cause of Collapse in any economy or political party. The Shame he has generated on the people is of enormous consequince in the international scene. the lack of Pride leads to a lack of trust and a lack of trust leads to a lack of worth and a lack of worth lead to a lack of SHAME. THAT IS THE WHOLE TRUTH IN A FEW WORDS. READ THIS AND DIGEST IT. IT WILL SAVE YOUR KIDS FROM THE SAME THING. THE SCENE THE KIDS SEE IS WHAT I JUST EXPLAINED TO YOU AND THAT IS WHY THE YOUTH ARE FOR OBAMA THEY SEE PRIDE AND WORTH AND IT SPEELS SELF WORTH TO THEM WHICH EQUALS A HEALTHY SELF ESTEEM. WE HAVE NEVER NEEDED CHANGE MORE THAN NOW. THE SHAMEFULL LEADERSHIP OR LACK OF IT I SHOULD SAY HAS MADE IT OWN CASE FOR CHANGE. THE SHAME AND DISREGARD FOR HUMANITY IS AS DISPICIABLE NOW AS IT WAS IN THE DAYS OF HITLERS GERMANY AND WE ARE NEARING THE SAME KIND OF REGIME IN MY OPPINION. THE RACIST FINGER POINTING , THE CALL TO ARMS WITH NO REGARD FOR CONSEQUENCE. THE GREED OF THE MONGERS ON CAPITAL HILL AND THE WHITE HOUSE AND THE CHURCH IS A GREAT BLOW TO THE DIVISION OF THE USA. MEAN WHILE THE MONGRELS ON WALL STREET TAKE YOU TO THE GUTTER AND SHAME A NATION EVEN WORSE THAN IT WAS. A BLOOD THIRSTY NATION BENT ON CONTROLING EVERY NATION BY THE POWER AND MIGHT OF A FALSE ECONOMY AND A MISUSED MILLITARY.. SPELLS DISASTER . IT SPELLS SHAME WHEN IT LEADERS USE FIGHTING WORDS IN ITS POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS,FIGHT ,FIGHT ,FIGHT HAS REPLACED SOVERINE DEMANDS OF UNIFIEING A SPLIT NATION . THE INTENT IS TO DEVIDE AND PROMOTE A REGIME WHERE THE LEADERS MISTAKES ARE LEAD TO CAPITALISTIC GREED WHICH IS BOUGHT OUT BY SOCIALIST PROGRAMS IMPOSED BY THE SAME CAPITALIST LEADERS .

The GOP platform used to be a party that backed and held tight to its candidate. Now they seem to screw their candidate in the back and anybody else that gets in the way of their real political agenda.

Too bad that the majority of the people, if not all, which read the Washington Post are to the far left and can't see the forest from the trees. As an independent, I have to disagree with most of the comments on this blog. Republicans and Democrats alike are to blame for the economic debacle our country is suffering. This is not a football game in which one team will win over the other -- this is our country -- which we should protect from a man that no one knows anything about, because a media with an agenda refuses to investigate him and people have simply looked the other way. Unfortunately, this could cost this country more than it is bargaining for.
Socialism - or the distribution of wealth - is not a good thing. Historically, it doesn't work!
The only ones to benefit from this ordeal will be a big government.

The ideology of the republican party has changed. There are many voters especially those that are older that are voting out of loyalty and blind to changes that have occurred in the last several years. The neo-con influence has turned the tides on civil liberties and turned capitalism into the corporate-ism of temptation and avarice. It rules with shock value and fear. The republican party has cornered the far right religious stance that represents only a fraction of Americans. It is in fact radical therefore divides by reaction. I believe that a new generation will emerge that is more moderate and even accepting beyond tolerance but it needs to regroup according to the current culture.

There are two problems the Republican Party needs to deal with. Neither of them has much to do with John McCain.

The immediate problem is George Bush. He has, in a nutshell, been a terrible President: ignorant, lazy, careless with the lives of the servicemen entrusted to him as Commander in Chief, reckless with the good name of the United States. If Ronald Reagan had screwed up as many things as George Bush has, the GOP wouldn't have been in great shape by 1988, either. Just as the Republican revival under Reagan could not have happened if the GOP hadn't successfully distanced itself from Nixon and Watergate, the Republicans today will need to repudiate George Bush to escape long-term minority status.

The other problem is deeper. It's the "R-squareds," Recent Republicans who joined the party during and after Reagan's ascendancy. Most of them were former Democrats from the South, who brought with them all the ideas and attitudes they held while they were Democrats, and who joined the GOP largely because it was the party with fewer Negroes in it. A significant number of them were neoconservatives, originally attracted to Reagan's steadfast anti-Communism but also motivated by a zealous concern for Israel well beyond what most Americans feel for any foreign country.

In fairness, the R-squareds' influence would not have been as great as it was had it been opposed by more traditional Republicans having strong ideas of their own. Sad to say, an awful lot of Republicans are Republicans for no better reason than that they have been Republicans for a long time.

Be that as it may, the George Bush's Republican Party is suspicious of minorities in a way that the GOP didn't use to be; it is far readier than it was to identify American interests with those of the less reasonable forces in Israeli politics; it is more tolerant of corruption, deficit spending, and electoral appeals based entirely on dislike of the other party than the Republican Party of a quarter century ago.

The GOP has adopted too many of the practices and attitudes traditional in the politics of the American South -- at a time when most of the country is becoming less tolerant of them -- with an admixture of zeal for the concerns of a foreign country that most of the nation does not share. Together with its enthusiasm for George Bush, the GOPs' R-squareds are a giant dead weight tied around the party's neck. Unless the next Democratic administration fails as badly in as many ways as the Bush administration, it is hard to see how a national Republican revival is possible if some way is not found to cut that dead weight loose.

Too bad that the majority of the people, if not all, which read the Washington Post are to the far left and can't see the forest from the trees. As an independent, I have to disagree with most of the comments on this blog. Republicans and Democrats alike are to blame for the economic debacle our country is suffering. This is not a football game in which one team will win over the other -- this is our country -- which we should protect from a man that no one knows anything about, because a media with an agenda refuses to investigate him and people have simply looked the other way. Unfortunately, this could cost this country more than it is bargaining for.
Socialism - or the distribution wealth - is not a good thing. Historically, it doesn't work!
The only ones to benefit from this ordeal will be a big government.

Except none of them, from the religious to the social conservatives held sway. look at the results.

The fact is that the Bush administration was run from day one by the Wolfowitz, Perle, Libby, Feith, two Boltons and Sharon himself. The neocons.

and AIPAC captured congress...to the point that the speaker of the House had to drop the precious clause in a bill that said the WH had to come back to congress for permission to bomb IRAN! AIPAC insisted.

ANd then there was WAll Street, complete deregulation and the SIVs, 'strutured vehicles, the hedge funds and the buyouts of American companies that were spit back out with mountains of debt.

Didn't take very long, did it. It was a big show, everybody knew and no shut up about the various factions of the "conservatives".

Proof: heard much about Jesus lately at the WH, or compassionate conservatives, or
small spending bills, or...

The irony of this identity crisis that Republican Party is facing, is that it is caused by most fundamental of Reagan’s mantras – namely ‘Less government regulation is better for businesses and hence economy’ and ‘lower taxes will bring prosperity to everybody while starving the beast called government’. Less regulation allowed investment bankers to create a maze of financial instrument without any government supervision that ultimately led to financial meltdown. Lower taxes tripled national debt under Reagan and doubled under Bush without starving the beast. Thus whole Reagan doctrine, the foundation of current Republican Party’s ideological basis stands discredited. Reagan must be turning in his grave for the ruin that his ideology has wrecked in these United States.

GOP REPUBLICAN PARTY HAS HOODWINKED, BEFUDDLED, BUSHWHACKED, AND BESMIRCHED THE AMERICAN PEOPLE OUT OF $3 TRILLION OVER THE PAST 8 YEARS. MIDDLE CLASS AMERICA WANTS ITS STOLEN US TREASURY MONEY RETURNED NOW!!! LET THE GOP REPUBLICAN PROPERTY CONFISCATION AND TRIALS FOR TREASON BEGIN.

DAVID LETTERMAN CALLED BILL O’REILLY AN IDIOT AND RACIST TO HIS FACE ON NATIONAL TELEVISION

Eight high-level officials from Gazprom, Russia's state-controlled energy conglomerate, traveled to Anchorage earlier this week to meet with the Alaska Department of Natural Resources and the chief executive of ConocoPhillips to discuss energy projects and the possibility of expanding into new markets.

Hooters girl and self professed front porch Russian expert Palin embraces her lipstick on a pig theme to negotiate with Russia. This should benefit our country. Another great decision by crash another plane McCain.

The Republicans have an identity crisis?
What about Obama? He has hidden any reference to his days at Harvard, in the Illinois Senate, Acorn and his law customers, in addition to trying to hide as many of his undesirable friends as he can. Why don't you nitwits cover Biden? Where is he, under wraps?
That idiot probably got an intelligence update last week, and then ran his mouth off at the fund raiser in Seattle to show how smart he is. Instead, he's raising all kinds of doubts about the affirmative action rookie's ability to handle an international crisis.
All you weak minded liberals who hate Bush deserve what you get if, by an unfortunate break, the affirmative action boy and his foot in the mouth buddy get elected. Then you'll really be whining.

The alliance between the Republican Party and corporations was made many years ago during an age when what was good for General Motors, was good for the American people. This meant if big business did well, there would be more jobs for Americans. During the last 20 years this is no longer true. Multinationals have prospered greatly, but they have not created many new jobs in the US. Small business has created most of the new jobs.

It is time for Republicans to break the bond with big business. Multinational taxes can be raised and small business taxes reduced. Another benefit, we do not need to spend hundreds of billions around the world trying to protect the supply chains of the multinational corporations.

The Republican Party has been done in by globalization job loss and financial irresponsibility by big business. It is time to break the bond. A Republican Party that is culturally conservative and focused on small business and job creation will prosper at the polls.

The Republican Party once argued to get government out of our lives. Then, they began to legislate morality, started tapping our phones and reading our email. They were against nation-building, but started a war in the Middle East to bring down a government and remake it as they wanted (and failed). They argued only free and unfettered markets were sound, then allowed the finance industry to go wild and now has to be saved through partial nationalization before we have the worst depression since the 1930s. They argued that only the experienced should lead, then gave us Sarah Palin as a candidate. Enough said?

orr1: a good example of your point is the treatment of John Warner by VA Republicans in 1996, in which they tried to defeat him at the primary level (obviously not successfully). I well remember many arguments that he should not receive support because he demonstrated a lack of loyalty to the state Republican party. The biggest sore spot was his refusal to endorse Micheal Farris for GOP governor, a right-wing extremist if there ever was one.

Ok. I'm an Obama supporter. But this "John McCain is a gambler" business needs to stop. For the record, WaPo reported that Obama built relationships by playing in regular poker games with other Illinois legislators. And it looks like he's learned some life lessons from playing poker. I presume Obama's games were (technically) illegal; at least McCain gambes in legal casinos and there is no assertion that he has any sort of a gambling problem. They're BOTH gamblers. Be fair.

Remember 1976? After the Watergate fiasco, Vietnam, inflation and the negative effects of the sixties counterculture, people were ready for change. Media crackpots were convinced that Tricky Dick destroyed the Republican Party. We elected an obscure and unqualified governor from Georgia.

Needless to say, the Carter Administration was a disaster, prices doubled in four years, our intelligence agencies failed to see the Iranian revolution coming, Carter was paralyzed by the hostage crises, and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The failures of this Democratic administration led directly to the Reagan revolution and twelve years of Republican rule. Can you say déjà vu all over again?

As inept as Carter was, he was still vastly better qualified than this petty apparatchik of the sleazy Daley political machine.

i don't know if there is any quick path back to power for the gop, but there are two main ideological pillars they need to tear down before independent voters come back in large numbers. 1. admit the iraq invasion was a major strategic error. it would also help to thoroughly analyze and assess blame. "mistakes were made" won't cut it. 2. scrap trickle down economics and supply side theory. we've seen bush, we've seen clinton, we've seen more bush--trickle down, laissez faire thinking doesn't work as well as clinton's approach.

The GOP needs to regroup. This idea comes from many in the republican party. Their brand is damaged and it was made much much worse by McCain. Before McCain the problems centered around Iraq, but now it has completely fallen apart. They don't appear in control of ANY issue.

it's interesting to note that the last liberal president elected was carter, which was a disaster. obama is even more liberal than carter. It comes done to the role of government in our lives. If you want more socialist gov't intervention vote for sentator "gov't." if you want less gov't & more personal responsibility vote for mccain. gay rights, abortion, etc these issues should not be decided on the federal policies level rather have the states decide. we are headed for a one world socialist gov't. and for those who blame the republicans for the credit meltdown, get your facts straight, this was caused by democrats lawmakers first with carter in 1977 then with clinton in the mid 90's who wanted everyone poor & rich citizen to own a home they couldnt afford. the liberal mainstream media will not report this since it hurts "there" party. what a shame. I have no problem placing blame with republicans if the facts support it. but come on people quit drinking the koolade!!!!

Trickle down didn't work, it's been failing 25 years now. When that part of the platform failed the right resorted to fear tactics and the symbols of patriotism. It's become clear the party was using whatever arguments it could find to maintain power--the real objectives, more power/global aggression and the promotion of unfettered greed--they've screwed the very voters they solicited in the last two elections.

From a Brit
'London Mayor Boris Johnson of the center-right Conservative Party was blunt in his assessment of President Bush's legacy and how an Obama presidency would break from it.

Johnson's endorsement of the Democratic candidate came after McCain declared in a radio address Saturday that "socialist leaders" in Europe admire Obama. The Republican candidate has likened Obama's tax policies to socialism.

Criticizing the Bush administration, Johnson called the invasion of Iraq "catastrophic" and said the economic crisis had forced the U.S. government into a "humiliating resort to semi-socialist solutions."

"Democracy and capitalism are the two great pillars of the American idea," he wrote. "To have rocked one of those pillars may be regarded as a misfortune. To have damaged the reputation of both, at home and abroad, is a pretty stunning achievement for an American president. "

Johnson said that only a clean break in the form of an Obama victory would help the U.S. recover in the eyes of the world."'

The GOP is essentially in religious party blessed by George W. Bush with the faith initiatives.This is a big danger for our country.Religious fervor/fanatics can not dictate domestic or foreign policy in our Country.We should take a close look at history to be certain that when such thing happens is the beggining of the end.

America's Republicans long ago deserted the conservative political, economic and foreign policies of the greatest true conservative president, Dwight Eisenhower. "Ike" believed in small government, avoiding foreign wars and entanglements, a non-aggressive foreign policy, low taxes, restrained government spending and keeping government out of the social domain.
This greatest modern American president called for nuclear disarmament and rightly warned his nation of the dangers of what he called "the military industrial complex." Half a century later, I still like Ike -- and am proud to call myself an "Eisenhower Republican."
Equally important, traditional conservative principles demand hard work, thrift and saving. One does not buy anything until saved-up cash is available. Governments spend only what they collect in taxes, not future generations' money known as "deficit spending." While necessary for long-term investment, borrowing must be strictly limited and tightly supervised.
Today's Republicans call themselves "conservatives" but are nothing of the kind. Under President George W. Bush, government size, spending and deficits have become gargantuan. "Conservative" in the U.S. has become synonymous with social dogmatism of the religious hard right and rural crassness and ignorance. Now, thanks to their "rescue package," Republicans (and Democrats) seem well on their way to socialism. Eric Margolis

America's Republicans long ago deserted the conservative political, economic and foreign policies of the greatest true conservative president, Dwight Eisenhower. "Ike" believed in small government, avoiding foreign wars and entanglements, a non-aggressive foreign policy, low taxes, restrained government spending and keeping government out of the social domain.
This greatest modern American president called for nuclear disarmament and rightly warned his nation of the dangers of what he called "the military industrial complex." Half a century later, I still like Ike -- and am proud to call myself an "Eisenhower Republican."
Equally important, traditional conservative principles demand hard work, thrift and saving. One does not buy anything until saved-up cash is available. Governments spend only what they collect in taxes, not future generations' money known as "deficit spending." While necessary for long-term investment, borrowing must be strictly limited and tightly supervised.
Today's Republicans call themselves "conservatives" but are nothing of the kind. Under President George W. Bush, government size, spending and deficits have become gargantuan. "Conservative" in the U.S. has become synonymous with social dogmatism of the religious hard right and rural crassness and ignorance. Now, thanks to their "rescue package," Republicans (and Democrats) seem well on their way to socialism. Eric Margolis

It took a crisis of proportion the present financial) to expose the identity of GOP. If you go back to the fight against terrorism, GOP was on the wrong side waging the war against the wrong nation on the wrong premise.

That the GOP is the savior of security of nation, be it economic or otherwise, is a myth.

It is clear that the US population is finally beginning to see through this "COUNTRYCLUB FIRST" politics. These Republicans will do anything (and I mean anything) to add a buck to their selfish, stinking wallets, regardless of what it costs for the rest of the country.

- 2 wars, no problem - cut taxes. Why do I care if our troops get the equipment they need? My sons/daughters are not in Iraq! Not my problem!
- largest financial crisis - no problem, further deregulate and cut taxes
- education is going down the toilet - no problem, cut taxes so my kids can go to private school
- no healthcare for the masses - not my problem! I am not the one stuffing myself on McDonald's Happy Meals - they deserve it!

It is sickeing to see the fake, plastic smiles on TV of all these Republican commentators full of venom that would kill even a Cobra.

Maybe it should not be reported that the Republican campaign and its tactics aren't working. The more obvious it becomes that they are on the wrong side of humanity, they (the Republicans) get more hateful and they lie more and I'm beginning they want an uncivil war.

Powell and Adelman endorsements indicate that national security is less important in this election??? I don't think so. These two are interested in little else. Their endorsements indicate that Obama looks more reliable to them on national security.

When the history of this campaign is written, the theme will be about how the Republican party, and McCain in particular, had caved in to the far right wing. McCain sold his soul to them, beginning as soon as Bush won 8 years ago. The idea that he was a "maverick" quickly dissolved. He claims he's still a maverick because he disagreed with Guantanamo or torture? That's just coming to his senses.

His problem, and the Republicans' in general, is that their base is completely wrapped up in their own ideology - some on social issues, some on taxes, the Rush Limbaugh robots, both - or any other crap they are told to believe. If the party deviates one iota from the received wisdom on these issues, the dittoheads throw a hissy fit and threaten to desert. The Democrats are now seen as the pragmatists, the ones that have enough flexibility to see what has to be done, and do it.

The Republicans are seen almost as cultists, mired in their dogmatism. They see every issue as almost a religious one (some in actuality ARE wholly religious), and apostates are drummed out of the party. They have a big job to do to resurrect themselves from the ashes. I'm sure they will, and the country will benefit in the long run. One thing they'll be doing along the way is jettisoning, or at least controlling, the kooks such as the ones that post here, letting them know where they can put their non-negotiable demands.

When the history of this campaign is written, the theme will be about how the Republican party, and McCain in particular, had caved in to the far right wing. McCain sold his soul to them, beginning as soon as Bush won 8 years ago. The idea that he was a "maverick" quickly dissolved. He claims he's still a maverick because he disagreed with Guantanamo or torture? That's just coming to his senses.

His problem, and the Republicans' in general, is that their base is completely wrapped up in their own ideology - some on social issues, some on taxes, the Rush Limbaugh robots, both - or any other crap they are told to believe. If the party deviates one iota from the received wisdom on these issues, the dittoheads throw a hissy fit and threaten to desert. The Democrats are now seen as the pragmatists, the ones that have enough flexibility to see what has to be done, and do it.

The Republicans are seen almost as cultists, mired in their dogmatism. They see every issue as almost a religious one (some in actuality ARE wholly religious), and apostates are drummed out of the party. They have a big job to do to resurrect themselves from the ashes. I'm sure they will, and the country will benefit in the long run. One thing they'll be doing along the way is jettisoning, or at least controlling, the kooks such as the ones that post here, letting them know where they can put their non-negotiable demands.

we need a viable loyal opposition party at all times. Look at how destructive one-party rule was for us when the republicans took over all three branches of government.

But the republican party isn't going to repair or redeem itself unless it feels it needs to do that. Some time in the wilderness might help, but unlikely until after 2012 ... currently the only true believer republicans left are the social conservatives and the redneck elitists - yes I said it, redneck elitists, people who think rednecks are superior and the only real Americans.

Even the social conservatives are ticked off though, James Dobson certainly doesn't like McCain if you can remember that far back.

So go on Republicans, shed the christian fanatics, the neocon fanatics, and shed the idea that there is only one real America ... and maybe the independents might come back. Until that time, you aren't worth the time it takes to belittle you.

Identity crisis?
I think they have made it pretty clear that they are the party of prejudice hate-mongers who flip-flop like a fish out of water because they are out of touch with the people and have no plan for any of the serious crises they created. You have to admit and recognize mistakes before they can be handeled.

There is no question that the GOP needs reform, whether or not McCain is able to thread the needle and pull this off. The biggest mistake the Republican Party made was abandoning its adherence to fiscal conservatism. Low taxes and controlled spending are popular with many social moderates and liberals, and will be a critical part of the road back to power.
The Democrats should not get too cocky though. There are no permanent majorities in American politics, and I do take solace in the fact that a Obama Administration, enabled by Ms. Pelosi and Senator Reid, will overreach as surely as night follows day.
PS Torrito, go take your meds. What exactly was it about 1980-1992 that so galls you? Ending the Cold War without a shot fired? Putting an end to double digit unemployment, interest rates and massive inflation? Peace and properity? FYI. When you write emotional screeds you make yourself look like a clown. Remember, there is good is everyone.

Identity crisis?
I think they have made it pretty clear that they are the party of prejudice hate-mongers who flip-flop like a fish out of water because they are out of touch with the people and have no plan for any of the serious crises they created.

There is no question that the GOP needs reform, whether or not McCain is able to thread the needle and pull this off. The biggest mistake the Republican Party made was abandoning its adherence to fiscal conservatism. Low taxes and controlled spending are popular with many social moderates and liberals, and will be a critical part of the road back to power.
The Democrats should not get too cocky though. There are no permanent majorities in American politics, and I do take solace in the fact that a Obama Administration, enabled by Ms. Pelosi and Senator Reid, will overreach as surely as night follows day.
PS Torrito, go take your meds. What exactly was it about 1980-1992 that so galls you? Ending the Cold War without a shot fired? Putting an end to double digit unemployment, interest rates and massive inflation? Peace and properity? FYI. When you write emotional screeds you make yourself look like a clown. Remember, there is good is everyone.

Actually the failure of the Republican party is quite easy to diagram because its roots are found in IDEOLOGY and a desired outcome, as opposed to FACTS and STRATEGIC RESPONSES TO ARRIVE AT AN FAVORABLE OUTCOME:

1. "Supply Side Economics" is an IDEOLOGY - not an econometric model. The falicy follows that those with wealth know how to handle money and invest, thus growing the economy. It holds that giving tax breaks to the wealthy means jobs will be created as these sage folks create them for us.
BUT THE FACTS ARE THE OPPOSITE: Small businesses employ most americans, and the top 5% of Americans do NOT create new businesses. THEY KEEP THE TAX DOLLARS IN THE BANK FOR THEIR KID'S INHERITANCE. There is no benefit to the economy - only to the top 5% of wealth holders.

2. NEO-CON'S FAILED FOREIGN POLICY says he who swaggers with the biggest stick gets his way in the world.

The REALITY is he who has the most allies -and sticks up for themand listens to them - gets his way in the world.

3. THEOCRACY FAILS EVERY TIME - In order for the NEO-CONS to sell their voodoo econ to the public they wrap themselves in the bible and flag - even though they have gay bathroom sex on the side. By claiming to be holy and pure these people can apply Jesus to deflect criticism of the obvious self-serving aspects of their legislation.
Do you think IRAM works very well as a country? THEOLOGY won't work any better with a Christian in charge. All the leading Christians are multi-millionaire NEO-CONS spouting ideology that flys in the face of facts.

In summary: Ideological "wish lists" have replaces sober reasoned fact-guided policy in government -and as one would expect - failed in a spectacular fashion.

Do you want a government guided by facts, or by a wish list?

Some Americans want a responsible government. We're equivalent to the adults at an 8 yr old's birthday party.

powell was right on with his comments about a narrowing of the party. the gop is almost exclusively appealing to white, married, rural or suburban, evangelical christian or chatolic voters with no college or some college education (i.e. not graduates). anybody outside of that demo they could care less about. there's almost a concerted effort to drive out anyone who doesn't fit. listen to limbaugh's spittle-spewing diatribe against powell. i don't think the gop has bottomed out yet. i think the reaction to a steep loss will be to do the full on pol pot--anybody with glasses (i.e. educated thinkers) gets one between the eyes, and they will march under the anti-gay, anti-immigrant populist christian values banner that would attract tim mcveigh. i saw the convention, i've seen the rallies, i do not want to be associated with these people anymore. so long, gop.

Adelman????
Why not Wolfowitz and Perle while we are at it? The Neocons have seen the future, and it is not in bringing democracy to the Middle East by invasion. Maybe the old-fashioned way of building a better country will do instead.

It wouldn't hurt to get Bin Laden either, though they may have to stoop to mere police action for that.

It should not be overlooked that Ben Bernanke the Fed Chairman supports the plan of Barack Obama as a stimulus package. Obama is sound economically. Republicans are going to have to move toward Obama and not be resisting him by calling him socialist.
For a discussion of this subject see:

The Republican Party should be forced into the wilderness, not get wisdom and mature, but to get lost.

The venom of the Party machine did not even spare men like Powell from the right wingers vitriol. The current Republican thinking should lose and lose big. We almost lost the country; wars and economic mess.

And they continue to Balkanize the country ethnically, socially, religiously, racially etc. The current Republican Party thinking has attempted (did not succeed yet) in destroying the beauty the world sees in America: tolerance and opportunity.

I say to the current RP: go to the wilderness in Arizon and Texas....take as long as it takes to be grounded in the American ethos.

Mr. Balz, as always, a very well-reasoned piece. I agree with you that, if an internal battle is to be waged within the Republican party, it could well be fought atop the corpse of Sarah Palin's short-lived career in national politics.

However, I'm somewhat skeptical that the fight is coming. You point to 1992, when the party was in similar turmoil. I should also call your attention to 2000 and even 2004, when losses by Gore and Kerry led many pundits to believe the Democrats had a branding issue on their hands. Many felt that Democrats would be forced to address their message to the American voters to again become a relevant party.

I doubt Howard Dean's leadership has led to this resurgence. Rather, the Democrats found themselves with two very qualified and charismatic candidates to succeed a disasterous presidency with abyssmal approval ratings. McCain's terrible campaign didn't help matters, but this race was really for the Democrats to lose since day one.

Should the Republicans stumble upon that kind of party representative, or should an Obama presidency prove to be a failure (or the economic crisis unsolvable), the punditry will be claim that the Democrats need to do some soul-searching.

by the sounds of Biden on Sunday - Democrats are going to be having a major identity crisis if Obama is elected - already pleading for the Mesiah's faithful not to flee the party when crisis hits. It will hit with a fury. Ole Joe's been around long enough to know. My Senator Jim Webb supports my gun rights to the fullest and Says Obama is a good fit for him. Who knew...oh - I am glad Barrak supports FISA and is is a self professed Christian too. Looks like I'm going to be ok - I'm just going to have to keep my business just under $250,000...

Forget "Joe the Plumber", seems "Fred the Firefighter" has finally read the fine print on McCain's health program, and isn't to pleased. The International Association of Firefighters today said McCain's health plan is BAD NOOZ:

This was a very good report. This is one of the benefits I foresee from an Obama victory. The Republican Party at the leadership level is overrun with people who feel that the two most important issues are taxes and abortion. I agree with the importance of both issues but not with how the party has framed them. The objective in the case of abortion should be to decrease the number of abortions in whatever way you can without making it illegal. Stop trying to blur the line between church and state. Abortion is morally reprehensible but in some cases the alternative is equally reprehensible to the person involved. The the procedure becomes an alternative to birth control then it needs to be stopped. But making it illegal in even one state should not be the objective of the political party.

With regard to taxes, this absurd idea that one economic class should be preferred over another needs to be abandoned. Economic policy should be determined by the conditions at the time. At this particular time the economically disadvantaged need the most support because they have been discriminated against for the last eight years. In many ways it is in fact the opposite of the situation when Kennedy was president and the rich were unfairly disadvantaged.

We are going to need to solve problems like health care and I do not claim to be wise enough to know whether Obama's plan is right but I do know that McCains is not because it does not address health care issues like prevention and pre-existing conditions. There is something inherently wrong with the Republican Party if I have the feeling that tax payer dollars will be better utilized and protected by the Democratic candidate. That is not the way it was and should not be that way anymore.

The Republicans are going to have to rely on the soundness of their policy rather than their divisiveness tactics to win elections if Obama wins this election. Divisiveness has not worked in this election and hopeful this will be its death toll. Not only will the Republican Party benefit from a reshaping but so will the nation.
I can not wait for the time when I will be able to vote for a moderate Republican and not have to fear that he will support the anti-democratic policies that someone like Bush will institute.

I disagree with you on one point, Dan. McCain must lose. We have plenty of work to do and there is no point delaying it for four years. More importantly our economy can not stand four more years of ineptitude. I worry about the economy with Paulson in charge.

i don't think that the democratic party is perfect or even nearly so. neither do i think it is God's preferred party (as do the republicans about their organization). but, i have voted almost exclusively democratic since the 70s (no, i never considered reagan as anything more than a passable actor, playing his first good role). the james watts, dick cheneys, tom delays, and w's have convinced me. the democratic party may not be all that great, but the republicans are not to be allowed near the seat of government at all costs.

Republicans are reaping what they have sown. Michelle Bachman is a good example. She is a true reflection of what the Republican party has become. Republicans are already quite willing to read our mail, listen to our phone calls, find out what books we check out from the library, and claim it's all to make us "safe."

Now Ms. Bachman thinks that there ought to be "investigations" to root out "anti-american" thoughts. Have we really come to the point where an elected official is advocating for the "thought police?"

We already know that Karl Rove sought to place republican zealots in US attorney positions to conduct political witch hunts against democratic candidates. Where does this willingness to subvert our legal protections for political gain logically lead?

Republicans have become so convinced that they are "right," they have convinced themselves that "their" ends justify "their" means, and that their false accusations are justified, such as Rove's political prosecutions, or McCain/Palin's claims that Obama is a "terrorist" or a "socialist" or a "muslim" or an "arab" etc.

Doesn't the Republican way of doing things ultimately lead to the gradual erosion of all individual rights, "for our own good."

When our civil rights are mentioned, Republicans love to argue that "if you're not doing anything wrong, then you don't have anything to hide." Problem is that their definition of "wrong" keeps shifting. Will it ultimately be "wrong" for an American to disagree with the Republican party?

62 years old I used to be a republican. Not anymore. After 8 years of GWB, the worst president our country ever had, I have had enough. Now we would have to deal with some of the dumbest individuals ever in politics.

I thought Moose Palin to be the dumbest of all dumb republicans. Was I ever wrong.

I call on the Media to do a "penetrating investigation" into republicans IQ. I bet most of their's will be lower than the number of real teeths they have in their dirty, lying mouth.

I've always thought that the relationship between fiscal conservative, religious fundamentalists and traditional Republicans was a tenuous one. Its surprising to me that it has lasted as long as its has, in fact.

I suspect that a good deal of it had to do with the visceral dislike these groups had for Carter and then Clinton. But with the fiscal recklessness and religious fanaticism that Bush has brought to the White House it isn't surprising to me that these groups are starting to splinter away from the Republican Party.

It is time for them to regroup. If they happen to maintain control of the White House, they will not. For our sakes' and Americas sake, I hope they will not suceed in their quest to stay in the White House. We are long overdue for a change. We needed a change back in 2004. But people did not see through the smokescreen voted for Bush again and the party continued on the path that they were on. They thought they were unstoppable. Republican President. Republican controlled congress.

What more could they ask for? They got consumed by their power and gradually grew to the GOP they are today that has brought out meanness, nastiness and deception in a lot of people.

They need to regroup, reorganize and start fresh. Until then they will be no good to America. The last 8 yrs is proof of that.

Newsflash, Mark: Editorial and News are separate entities. One doesn't control the other. If you believe that the "GOP in turmoil" story line is solely a construct of the Obama-lovin', liberal media, you guys are in worse shape than I thought.

The GOP tent grows smaller every minute. If Bush had been the "uniter" he claimed to be in 2000 things would have been a different story. Of course we all learned that was a convenient label to wear to get elected and quickly discard once he won and was in power. The country is much worse off for listening to the lie that calimed to be "compassionate conservatism" but was in reality an evolving hard right party.